I am deeply saddened by the siege at Okwama and the continuous invasion of surrounding Urhobo villages by the Nigerian military following the gruesome murder of 17 of its officers at Okwama. While the Urhobo Nation condemns the killings in their entirety, we also respectfully and vehemently disagree with the killings of innocent men and women who knew next to nothing about what transpired.
I say this because the necessity for increased protection of the civilian population and of civilian objectives in times of armed conflict was what led to the convening of the Geneva Conference of 1974–1977.
This is a reminiscence of what happened in Okwama Odi so many years ago, after over 10 mobile policemen were killed. The military, under the command of former President Olusengu Obasanjo, unleashed mayhem, causing collateral damage and immense infrastructural destruction. This was done with ruthless efficiency in the town of Odi in the Niger area some years ago, with remarkable success.
After they finished shelling Odi from the land, the sea, and the air, there was not one building left standing there except for, interestingly, the local bank. The casualties in terms of human life were extremely high, but the point was made and the objective achieved. From that point on, the Niger Delta militants stopped killing policemen and soldiers right up until the time that Obasanjo left power. What actually happened in Odi is a crime against humanity. My question now is: why can’t the same solution be applied to the Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, and other militia groups terrorising and killing Nigerians like flies by the Tinubu administration today?
What is the fear? Why should the same treatment not be meted out to any city or community in our country that grants the foot soldiers of Boko Haram covert support, a safe haven, a sanctuary, or shelter?”
Why is it that only in the south are such actions, genocide, and extreme force being carried out? We have seen brute force used on the people of the Niger Delta, but in my opinion, the Okwama massacre of innocent men and women is the most savage and brutal war and bloody onslaught in African history waged against the Urhobo Nation. I urge the Nigerian state to temper justice with mercy because to err is human and to forgive is divine. After all, forgiving the numerous continuing blunders, stealing, and corruption by politicians has become the pastime of most Nigerians, and it’s government.
May God deliver us and restore our nation to the oath of glory in Jesus name.
Activist Sanco Ese
